Northwestern University Athletics
Austin, del Carmen, Gilbertson to Return for 2023
3/23/2023 5:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
EVANSTON, Ill. – Head Women's Soccer Coach Michael Moynihan has announced that veterans Danika Austin, Aurea del Carmen, and Lily Gilbertson will use their final year of eligibility and return for the 2023 Northwestern women's soccer season.
The trio appeared in every game over the course of the record-breaking 2023 season, tying program records in wins (16) and NCAA Tournament finish (Third Round), while setting program records in NCAA Tournament seed (No. 4-seed) and unbeaten streak (13 games).
Senior captain Danika Austin led the Wildcats in minutes (2,054) in 2023, while anchoring the back line to ten shutouts. Austin registered a goal and three assists during the 2022 campaign, which saw her earn Third Team All-Big Ten honors.
"I feel like we've built so much in one year and I can't wait to keep building on this past season," said Austin. "I'm excited for another year, not to prove outsiders wrong, but to prove us right and compete at the highest possible level again. Northwestern is my family and I'm blessed to have one more opportunity to wear the purple."
Aurea del Carmen started all 23 games at forward, ranking third on the team in goals (6) and assists (5) and second in points (17). With three career game-winning goals in Big Ten play, del Carmen ranks third in program history. The Gilroy, California native earned Second Team All-Big Ten and United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-North Region following the season.
"I am excited to announce that I will completing my fifth and final year of eligibility at Northwestern. Our team is such an incredible group of women on and off the pitch, and I have been so fortunate to have been a part of this team's successes," del Carmen said. "I still have so much more to give this team and to this beautiful game, and I am very excited to see what we can do in the upcoming season. I am so proud of the strides that this program has made in my four years as a Wildcat and I'm grateful to wear the jersey for one last season. Go Cats!"
Lily Gilbertson appeared in all 23 games, making 21 consecutive starts to end the season. Gilbertson tallied one goal and five assists during the 2022 season, scoring a goal in her return to her home state of Minnesota.
"I cannot wait to come back and spend one more season with all of my favorite people and playing soccer for one of the best programs in the country! Taking my fifth year and having the opportunity to play more Big Ten soccer was a no brainer for me," Gilbertson said. "Looking forward to building on last year's success and making even more amazing memories!"
Northwestern will conclude its spring season in April and will open its regular season in August. For all the latest updates regarding Northwestern women's soccer, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram.
The trio appeared in every game over the course of the record-breaking 2023 season, tying program records in wins (16) and NCAA Tournament finish (Third Round), while setting program records in NCAA Tournament seed (No. 4-seed) and unbeaten streak (13 games).
Senior captain Danika Austin led the Wildcats in minutes (2,054) in 2023, while anchoring the back line to ten shutouts. Austin registered a goal and three assists during the 2022 campaign, which saw her earn Third Team All-Big Ten honors.
"I feel like we've built so much in one year and I can't wait to keep building on this past season," said Austin. "I'm excited for another year, not to prove outsiders wrong, but to prove us right and compete at the highest possible level again. Northwestern is my family and I'm blessed to have one more opportunity to wear the purple."
Aurea del Carmen started all 23 games at forward, ranking third on the team in goals (6) and assists (5) and second in points (17). With three career game-winning goals in Big Ten play, del Carmen ranks third in program history. The Gilroy, California native earned Second Team All-Big Ten and United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-North Region following the season.
"I am excited to announce that I will completing my fifth and final year of eligibility at Northwestern. Our team is such an incredible group of women on and off the pitch, and I have been so fortunate to have been a part of this team's successes," del Carmen said. "I still have so much more to give this team and to this beautiful game, and I am very excited to see what we can do in the upcoming season. I am so proud of the strides that this program has made in my four years as a Wildcat and I'm grateful to wear the jersey for one last season. Go Cats!"
Lily Gilbertson appeared in all 23 games, making 21 consecutive starts to end the season. Gilbertson tallied one goal and five assists during the 2022 season, scoring a goal in her return to her home state of Minnesota.
"I cannot wait to come back and spend one more season with all of my favorite people and playing soccer for one of the best programs in the country! Taking my fifth year and having the opportunity to play more Big Ten soccer was a no brainer for me," Gilbertson said. "Looking forward to building on last year's success and making even more amazing memories!"
Northwestern will conclude its spring season in April and will open its regular season in August. For all the latest updates regarding Northwestern women's soccer, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram.
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